According to recent studies, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes. Based on these findings nearly 80 % of all crashes and 65 % of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within 3 seconds before the event. Primary causes of driver inattention are distracting activities, such as adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, eating and drinking, talking on cell phone and sending text messages.
In Kentucky during 2011, there were more than 53,500 collisions where driver distraction was noted as a factor. These crashes resulted in nearly 15,000 injuries and 178 fatalities. These numbers account for 41% of the total injuries and 25% of the total fatalities occuring on Kentucky's roadways last year.
One of the newest education programs offered by The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is our D2 (Distracted Driving) Simulator as our newest educational tool to address the issues and dangers of distracted driving.
Tips for Managing Distractions
• Keep 100% of your attention on driving
• Practice defensive driving − be aware of others around you and expect the unexpected.
• Don’t use a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving. Pull over to talk or text.
• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks and making necessary phone calls.
• Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
• Secure cargo that may move around.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve items out of reach.
• Have items needed within easy reach.
• Pull over to eat. It takes only a few minutes.
• Give yourself time to react. Keep a two second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
• Don’t speed − it gives you less time to react.
• Always wear your seat belt and drive sober!
The goal of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is simple: To save more lives by demonstrating the issues and effects distractions have on our driving – working together we all help make the difference.